Tractor Linkage Control With Haptic Feedback for Precise Lifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines, such as tractors, face challenges in precisely adjusting lifting mechanisms for attachments due to limited visibility and delayed signal transmission, leading to time-consuming and error-prone operations.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a control element that includes a selection switch and visualization element, along with a linear resonance actuator providing haptic feedback, allowing users to easily switch between hoists and visualize the lifting position, and receive immediate feedback on target position alignment through distinct vibration characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a visualization element is used to display the current lifting position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adjustment precision deteriorates due to signal transmission inertia causing lag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies haptic feedback through a vibration generator that provides tactile signals to the user when the lifting mechanism reaches the target position. This closed-loop feedback system allows the user to feel when adjustment is complete, eliminating the lag problem inherent in visual-only systems and enabling precise positioning without overshooting or prolonged adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration generator acts as an intermediary between the control system and the user, translating the abstract concept of 'target position reached' into a tangible tactile signal. This intermediary provides immediate physical confirmation of position alignment, bridging the gap between the control element operation and the actual lifting mechanism position.
2Device complexity
If the operator relies on visual feedback alone, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustments and overshooting
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating haptic feedback through the vibration generator, the system provides immediate tactile confirmation when the target position is reached. This prevents overshooting and eliminates the need for prolonged adjustment periods, significantly reducing adjustment time and improving productivity without adding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration as a feedback mechanism. The vibration generator produces tactile signals that are immediately perceptible to the user, providing rapid position confirmation that accelerates the adjustment process and enhances operational efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If multiple control elements are used for each linkage, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control element that can operate both the front and rear linkages through a selector switch. The single control element with haptic feedback serves multiple functions, allowing precise control of either linkage without requiring separate control elements for each, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control functions for both linkages into a single control element. By merging the control interfaces and using a selector switch to toggle between linkages, the system reduces the number of control elements while maintaining the ability to precisely control each linkage individually through the haptic feedback mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables immediate and precise adjustment of lifting mechanisms, reducing user effort and time, enhancing user-friendliness and accuracy by providing clear haptic feedback, thus improving the overall operating comfort and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the device (19) is designed as a linear resonance actuator and is configured to generate at least one vibration characteristic
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural machine (1), in particular a tractor, comprising a front linkage (3), a rear linkage (4), and an operating device (5), wherein the operating device (5) comprises a control element (6) for operating both linkages (3, 4), wherein the operating device (5) comprises at least one selection switch (7) by means of which the focus of the control element (6) can be switched between the linkages (3, 4), and wherein the operating device (5) comprises at least one visualization element (8) by means of which the current lifting position of the active linkage (3, 4), on which the focus of the control element (6) is located, can be visualized. The control element (6) has a device (19) which is configured to generate at least one haptic feedback perceptible to a user of the agricultural machine (1).